Cheng Xueqi
Cheng Xueqi (Chinese: 程學啟; courtesy name Fangzhong 方忠; born in Tongcheng Anhui, (1828 – 1864) was a general of the Taiping Rebellion who surrendered to the Qing dynasty in 1861 with Ding Ruchang. He was an eminent Han Chinese official, military Captain General of the late Qing. He raised the Huai Army to fight effectively against the Taiping and restored the stability of Qing along with other prominent figures, including Li Hongzhang and Zeng Guofan, setting the scene for the command defended Shanghai successfully and Suzhou Massacre POW Incident. The Tongzhi Emperor praised Cheng as "intelligent and brave".
Fame and military campaigns
Zeng Guofan had been encouraged by Cheng：“You could learned Zhang GuoLiang who defended the Jiangnan bravely before he alive, Go ahead!” this warning promoted Cheng fighting every time and everywhere. He was promoted to Lieutenant General in October 1862 (defended Shanghai, see Battle of Shanghai (1861)),and Cheng created the first Chinese rifle troop in September 1862. Recovered cities Taicang, Kunshan, Wujiang seriesly, promoted Captain General in May 1863, and Cheng created the first Chinese modern Cannon troop. Cheng Xuechi was awarded a first class merit that Recovered Jiangsu 20 cities and defended Shanghai twice among 2 years Li Hongzhang reported to Tongzhi Emperor．
Death
In 1864, after laying siege to the city of Jiaxing for a month, Cheng Xuechi decided to find a way to end the siege. By utilizing thousands of kg of explosives, a breach was opened in the walls. He ordered his troops to immediately storm the city through the breach. As he led the charge up the ruined walls, a bullet struck him in the head. It was said that even after being stuck, he continued the charge. However, after a week he died from his wounds. It was reported that he was content on death, finally being able to join his wife and sons in the afterlife (his family being killed four years earlier by the rebel Taiping army. When Li Hongzhang reported to the Tongzhi Emperor that Cheng had died, both men began to weep.
Awards
- created the royal BATURU(Manchu：the Brave) in June 1862 (defended Songjiang District successfully and promoted Major General).
- created Baron Yiyong of the Second Class, Order of succession 勇毅二等男爵, 世襲) in 1864
- created Three Excellencies, Crown prince's military first class master(太子太保)